Imagine a player who, instead of transferring when the going gets tough, decides to grind it out, transform his body, and fight for a bigger role on the team. That's exactly what James Brown of UNC basketball has done, and it's a story that deserves your attention. But here's where it gets controversial: in an era where college athletes often jump ship at the first sign of adversity, Brown's commitment to improvement feels almost old-school—and it might just pay off in ways no one expects.
Let’s give James Brown the credit he deserves. While many of his former teammates from last season have moved on, Brown—a player who saw limited action as a freshman—doubled down on his potential. He hit the gym hard, focusing on both his physicality and skill set, determined to carve out a more significant role for himself. This offseason, the Aurora, Illinois native packed on an impressive 25 pounds of muscle, now standing at 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds. Tar Heel fans will recall that this is nearly the same build as former star big man Armando Bacot, who dominated in Chapel Hill. And this is the part most people miss: while no one’s asking Brown to replicate Bacot’s legendary career, his physical transformation has fans buzzing about his potential to become a reliable force in the frontcourt over the next few seasons.
As a true freshman last year, Brown appeared in 18 games, scoring 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds—eight of which came on the offensive end, showcasing his tenacity on the boards. These numbers might seem modest, but they hint at a player who’s willing to do the dirty work and make the most of his opportunities. Now, heading into the 2025-2026 season, the question on everyone’s mind is: what can we expect from the new-look James Brown?
UNC’s coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, made it a priority to add size and versatility this offseason to avoid the small-ball struggles of last year. This creates an interesting dynamic for Brown, whose role remains somewhat uncertain. He’s expected to compete with Zayden High for bench minutes, but don’t be surprised if a sophomore leap propels him into the backup center role. Here’s the bold take: Brown’s hustle, effort, and rebounding prowess could make him a trusted asset for Davis, especially in situations where starters need a breather or foul trouble strikes.
Speaking of bold predictions, here’s one that might raise some eyebrows: Brown will finish the season as one of the team’s top-five rebounders. After averaging just 2.9 minutes per game last season, a jump to 7-10 minutes per game isn’t out of the question. With a deep roster, Davis will likely experiment early in the season to test his rotation’s limits, and Brown’s relentless energy could earn him a more prominent role than many anticipate.
So, what do you think? Is James Brown poised for a breakout season, or will he remain a bench contributor? Here’s the controversial question: In a sport increasingly defined by transfers and instant gratification, does Brown’s old-school approach to development still have a place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
